FA Cup final preview

Everton have already dispatched of two of the big four – can they make it three for their first trophy since 1995?

Liverpool and Manchester United have fallen by the wayside at The Toffees’ expense on this season’s long road to Wembley, Everton have once again finished fifth and David Moyes has been named Manager of the Year for the third time.

But does he need this one victory, this one triumphant day and this long-awaited piece of silverware to finally receive the recognition he and his side deserve?

Dan Gosling popping up to dispatch of his neighbours from across Stanley Park in the fourth round to kickstart the charge to Wembley . Leon Osman was the man who hit the net against Macclesfield in the third round.

However, it was a man whose age is more akin to Gosling's than Osman's that is being mooted as the game’s surprise starter. Eighteen-year-old Jack Rodwell is one seriously classy customer in midfield but can he really cut it against a central trio as intimidating as The Blues’?

With or without Rodwell, the middle of the park will surely be where this game is decided. The domineering Marouane Fellaini has ‘Chelsea player’ written all over him but he’s sure to have his work cut out against Michael Essien and company.

If The Toffees are able to emerge on top of such duels they might just claim that silverware that Moyes thinks they so richly deserve. The ever-impressive manager was one of the most vocal to pooh-pooh the notion of holding semi-finals at Wembley but will now no doubt be grateful that his side have experience of such a grueling triumph under the arch last month.

Guus Hiddink has equally slim knowledge of the stadium, but for a man whose CV is dripping in big occasions, neither he nor his team is likely to be overawed as they seek to come up with the perfect leaving present.

Tim Cahill is no stranger to Moyes’ Dutch counterpart having been under the charge of the man he calls a ‘genius’ whilst on international duty with Australia and, having been a part of Millwall’s unlikely surge to the 2004 final, will be even more crucial to Moyes’ pre-match preparations than usual.

Cahill will be pushed forward at every opportunity but it will most likely be Louis Saha who starts in a more conventional striking role up against John Terry and Ricardo Carvalho or the just-about-fit Alex.

Frank Lampard has also been passed fit after missing the last game of the Premier League season as he seeks his second FA Cup winner's medal.